System crash

[Ross]

Hi Masso,

I ran a update and then tried to do a cut file and got a z error.

turned off the machine waited then tried to turn on and got a warning to unplug PS2 and reload htg file.

I have nothing plugged into the PS2,

Just have a blank screen now. but it can show if I try to reload htg file (yellow loading bar)

Still blank screen. How to fix please?

From Ross.

 

[masso-support]

so there is nothing connected on the PS2 connector, not even an extension cable?

 

[Ross]

Hi Masso,
Yes that is correct.
Come to think of it i ran the program and when it froze the screen plus giving the Z alarm, i powered down then did the upgrade
The only thing plugged in was the new update usb.
i unzipped a gain to a fresh formatted disk and still no luck.
It too did a successful install 00002594.HT1 but brings up a black screen.
Thanks from Ross.

 

[Ross]

Hi Masso,

I just opened the case and found this!

From Ross.

 

[Ross]

you can add me on LINE app,

Thanks from Ross.

 

[clover]

@ross

Ouch! Ross.

That's interesting a memory chip that has decided to destroy itself during an update (at least I think it's memory).

 

[Ross]

Hi clover, you can contact me on LINE if you like as well.

I don't know what it is related too.

My MPG hasn't worked for a long time or it could be a power spike from the plasma.

I am slowly building up a junk pile of things from this project!

Not to pleased about this at the moment, I just think we need some rock solid wiring instructions to follow when doing these things.

Like COM on the MPG wiring diagram, is it negative or positive. THC wiring is the same.

From Ross.

 

[clover]

@ross

Thanks for the invite to talk via LINE. I'm not comfortable using these modern communication aids - too hard to teach an old dog new tricks I suspect!

Not to pleased about this at the moment, I just think we need some rock solid wiring instructions to follow when doing these things.

I'm fairly sure the damaged integrated circuit is a memory device and if this is so it will have no connection with the outside world. It's difficult to understand how this can happen. I guess you will have to wait till @masso-support gets back to you.

It is practically impossible to have rock solid wiring instructions simply because of the enormous variety of peripheral boards and/or equipment that need to be connected to the Masso to do a specific job. And as if that isn't difficult enough each manufacturer of these peripheral devices have their own standard electrical and physical protocols.

I do think however that Masso have gone a long way with their range of inputs and outputs toward making a unit that can be connected to to a great range of external devices. Congratulations to them for this and also for their support, they are on this forum almost daily solving problems. One doesn't get that attention from many other equipment suppliers.

Like COM on the MPG wiring diagram, is it negative or positive. THC wiring is the same.

Nomenclature is always a problem. Unfortunately it more often than not needs somebody who understands the language and has the skills to nut a problem out. The situation is that in many cases (maybe most) is that the guy (or gal) trying to put systems together doesn't have skills in this area. This is where support comes in and to a much lesser a degree others like yours truly.

One can understand it from the point of view of a manufacturer of peripheral equipment. They are trying to build a piece of equipment that is compatible with a range of other's equipment, they are not designing for Masso or any other specific device.

I am aware that the foregoing is not much help to you at the present and I can understand your despondency but hang in there and there and it will all work out. Patrick

 

[masso-support]

Quote from Ross on December 20, 2018, 7:29 am

Hi Masso,

I just opened the case and found this!

From Ross.

that is the memory chip and very strange on how that got damaged. An upgrade can't damage it and looking at the burn it looks like very high voltage went in to the chip.

Did you ever had anything connected to the PS2 connector on the MASSO or even an extension cable?

Will you be able to send the unit for repairs or if you want then we can give you the part number as its fairly easy to replace that chip, but first we have to find what happened as this is the first time we have seen this chip damaged.

 

[Ross]

Hi Masso

The only thing is I use the Ps2 for is an earth.

Power supply shielded to it and green wire is earthed from it to the control box case all had continuity tests before powering unit.

Agers ago I did earth the mpg to it and asked for help cause the MPG stopped working after changing 5volt power supply "never got it going and gave up on the MPG.

Before I did the new control box I did have the Proma earth to it as stated in their wiring manual, "never got a successful cut."

I cut the kangaroo and the map of Australia with the Proma earth earthed to the green block connected to the control box. "Happy"

Next day I tried another cut and it ran half program then froze the screen, so I had to turn it off and thought I may as well do the upgrade at this time.

That is when I posted this thread on the forum.

So the outcome is maybe a bad email update or the burnt chip. Or who knows what! Like we know plasma puts out hi voltage.

Also Like I said I am not happy about this, is the fact that Thai customs has really hammered me with outrageous taxes on everything on this build "over 80% on some things and I am scared to send it for repair cause I know they will want hundreds when it comes back here!

We can try sending a new emailed update and post a new chip, then we can see how that goes.

Plus can you send a photo of the chip to see if I can get it here cause I might get it faster.

Ps: You can still add me to LINE so we can chat about this if you like, including anyone else that is interested in my plasma build!

Thanks for everything from Ross.

 

[masso-support]

@ross I can understand that customs can be annoying, we can put a chip in mail for you, but will you be able to replace it yourself?

Also there is something that went very wrong here that put the high voltage into the chip and most likely looks like it the plasma, will need to check this too because the entire controller can also burn like this.

 

[Ross]

Hi Masso,

OK that will be good. Let me know the cost and I can put funds into your account.

Will solder new chip in myself and have to go through the wiring again.

To earth out the Masso is it best to connect to the VGA screw or to the serial GND and use a (fusible link of what size?)

From Ross.

 

[masso-support]

For the chip please email your address to support@masso.com.au and dont worry about the cost, it's a small component, do you want us to send by normal post or DHL?

 

[Ross]

Hi all, In relation to the burnt chip.

Here is a wiring diagram of how I wired the Proma to the Masso and the plasma trigger, is it all correct or have I wired it incorrect?

Plus a photo showing leads from table to control box.

Earthing wires go to the control case and then from there I have one earth lead to the VGA on the Masso.

The other thought I have is the plasma lead runs in the same tracking as all the other wiring on the table, Could the plasma power jumped across to other wires and caused the burnt chip?

All help is approached.

From Ross.

 

[masso-support]

where is the PROM located on the machine?

 

[Ross]

Hi, Masso, The Proma is cable tied to the front plastic grill of the plasma.

The two leads from the machine/plasma source to the Proma would be about 14cm each.

Seen in the previous photo.

Thank you, from Ross.

 

[masso-support]

Thanks, keeping the plasma high voltage cables is definitely a good idea.

Also regarding the grounding, do you ground the wire shield on both ends of the cable?

 

[masso-support]

please also email us your address so that we can send the chip without delay.

 

[Ross]

I just earth on one end, to the metal structure of the control box.

plus I have the PS2 earthed to the control box.

Shown in the diagram above.

From Ross.

 

[clover]

@ross What an enigma. The presumption seems to be a high voltage spike. What troubles me is if this is the case:

Regardless of earthing, why was it selective and attack the memory chip which is not connected to the outside world?

Did it also attack other devices in the Masso with damage that is not visible - perhaps to the micro itself to which memory is directly connected?

Without ruling out suspect earthing shortcomings I think I would be inclined to replace the faulty memory and, disconnected from all externals, get the Masso up and running.

Meanwhile for what it is worth, the attached drawing shows how common wiring should be done. Note how everything is joined at a common point on the Masso power supply and from there to a chassis earthing point. This is called a Star connection.

If other equipment (e.g. plasma cutter) is earthed through it own power connection (110/220/415vac) it should not be earthed to the star connection as it is already earthed.

Ross, I understand you are going to solder in the new memory chip - do you have experience with that? Patrick